NHS bosses in Notts have launched a campaign to ensure patients are not going to the wrong place for treatment and advice.

The Right Care, First Time campaign will see information leaflets, posters and postcards sent to community venues across the county.

Bosses want patients to understand the best place to go if they need medical help for serious and minor health problems.

It is hoped the campaign will raise awareness so emergency services are not stretched by people with "minor" issues.

Demands on the NHS in Notts have grown year on year and an increase in patients needing help is expected over the winter months.

The Post reported on Saturday that the Queen's Medical Centre's emergency department is seeing 30 more patients a week than this time last year. Officials said one problem was emergency workers being asked to deal with higher numbers of people whose ailments fall into lesser categories.

They said many could be dealt with by NHS Direct, at a pharmacy, at an NHS walk-in centre or by their GP.

The campaign by NHS Nottingham City and NHS Notts County will highlight the ways people can get healthcare.

City GP Dr Ian Trimble, chair of Nottingham's professional executive committee, said: "This is not about blaming people for going to the wrong place: it is about understanding that health services have become more complex, and it can be a bit confusing.

"It is important that people get the right help first time for a number of reason.

"It will mean the patients will be seen quicker and get the right level of advice."

"We know that with the arrival of winter more people need help for minor injuries, like slips and falls on icy pavements, and common illnesses such as colds and coughs.

"We want to make sure people know the different ways they can access the right care, whether it's through their local pharmacy, their GP or walk-in centre."

People in Notts and Nottingham are also being urged not to leave it to the last minute to get their prescriptions.

GP surgeries and pharmacies could be closed during the festive period.

Dr Trimble said: "Getting their prescription in now will save patients time and trouble, so hopefully they can have a more relaxed, worry-free festive season."

Jaysons Pharmacy in Wollaton is one of the places in Nottingham offering the Pharmacy First scheme.

It allows people exempt from prescription charges to get free treatment for minor ailments including head lice, skin problems, upset stomach and cystitis.

Manager Leoni Mee said: "A pharmacy is a great first stop for people with minor illnesses or needing health advice."

For more information visit www.nottinghamcity.nhs.uk and www.nottinghamshirecountyteachingpct.nhs.uk.

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk